The crystal structure of a parallel-stranded guanine tetraplex at 0.95 A resolution

The high-resolution crystal structure of a parallel intermolecular DNA G-4 quadruplex/drug complex employing syn glycosyl linkages

We have determined the X-ray structure of the complex between the DNA quadruplex d(5′-GGGG-3′)₄ and daunomycin, as a potential model for studying drug–telomere interactions. The structure was solved at 1.08 Å by direct methods in space group I4. The asymmetric unit comprises a linear arrangement of one d(GGGG) strand, four daunomycin molecules, a second d(GGGG) strand facing in the opposite direction to the first, and Na and Mg cations. The crystallographic 4-fold axis generates the biological unit, which is a 12-layered structure comprising two sets of four guanine layers, with four layers each of four daunomycins stacked between the 5′ faces of the two quadruplexes. The daunomycin layers fall into two groups which are novel in their mode of self assembly. The only contacts between daunomycin molecules within any one of these layers are van der Waals interactions, however there is substantial π–π stacking between successive daunomycin layers and also with adjacent guanine layers. The structure differs significantly from all other parallel d(TGGGGT)₄ quadruplexes in that the 5′ guanine adopts the unusual syn glycosyl linkage, refuting the widespread belief that such conformations should all be anti. In contrast to the related d(TGGGGT)/daunomycin complex, there are no ligand–quadruplex groove insertion interactions.

Oligomer formation of the bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP: reaction rates and equilibrium constants indicate a monomeric state at physiological concentrations

Cyclic diguanosine-monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is a bacterial signaling molecule that triggers a switch from motile to sessile bacterial lifestyles. This mechanism is of considerable pharmaceutical interest, since it is related to bacterial virulence, biofilm formation, and persistence of infection. Previously, c-di-GMP has been reported to display a rich polymorphism of various oligomeric forms at millimolar concentrations, which differ in base stacking and G-quartet interactions. Here, we have analyzed the equilibrium and exchange kinetics between these various forms by NMR spectroscopy. We find that the association of the monomer into a dimeric form is in fast exchange (<milliseconds) with an equilibrium constant of about 1 mM. At concentrations above 100 μM, higher oligomers are formed in the presence of cations. These are presumably tetramers and octamers, with octamers dominating above about 0.5 mM. Thus, at the low micromolar concentrations of the cellular environment and in the absence of additional compounds that stabilize oligomers, c-di-GMP should be predominantly monomeric. This finding has important implications for the understanding of c-di-GMP recognition by protein receptors. In contrast to the monomer/dimer exchange, formation and dissociation of higher oligomers occurs on a time scale of several hours to days. The time course can be described quantitatively by a simple kinetic model where tetramers are intermediates of octamer formation. The extremely slow oligomer dissociation may generate severe artifacts in biological experiments when c-di-GMP is diluted from concentrated stock solution. We present a simple method to quantify c-di-GMP monomers and oligomers from UV spectra and a procedure to dissolve the unwanted oligomers by an annealing step.

B-DNA structure is intrinsically polymorphic: even at the level of base pair positions

Increasingly exact measurement of single crystal X-ray diffraction data offers detailed characterization of DNA conformation, hydration and electrostatics. However, instead of providing a more clear and unambiguous image of DNA, highly accurate diffraction data reveal polymorphism of the DNA atomic positions and conformation and hydration. Here we describe an accurate X-ray structure of B-DNA, painstakingly fit to a multistate model that contains multiple competing positions of most of the backbone and of entire base pairs. Two of ten base-pairs of CCAGGCCTGG are in multiple states distinguished primarily by differences in slide. Similarly, all the surrounding ions are seen to fractionally occupy discrete competing and overlapping sites. And finally, the vast majority of water molecules show strong evidence of multiple competing sites. Conventional resolution appears to give a false sense of homogeneity in conformation and interactions of DNA. In addition, conventional resolution yields an average structure that is not accurate, in that it is different from any of the multiple discrete structures observed at high resolution. Because base pair positional heterogeneity has not always been incorporated into model-building, even some high and ultrahigh-resolution structures of DNA do not indicate the full extent of conformational polymorphism.

Cation binding to 15-TBA quadruplex DNA is a multiple-pathway cation-dependent process

A combination of explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulation (30 simulations reaching 4 µs in total), hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics approach and isothermal titration calorimetry was used to investigate the atomistic picture of ion binding to 15-mer thrombin-binding quadruplex DNA (G-DNA) aptamer. Binding of ions to G-DNA is complex multiple pathway process, which is strongly affected by the type of the cation. The individual ion-binding events are substantially modulated by the connecting loops of the aptamer, which play several roles. They stabilize the molecule during time periods when the bound ions are not present, they modulate the route of the ion into the stem and they also stabilize the internal ions by closing the gates through which the ions enter the quadruplex. Using our extensive simulations, we for the first time observed full spontaneous exchange of internal cation between quadruplex molecule and bulk solvent at atomistic resolution. The simulation suggests that expulsion of the internally bound ion is correlated with initial binding of the incoming ion. The incoming ion then readily replaces the bound ion while minimizing any destabilization of the solute molecule during the exchange.

Spectroscopic detection of DNA quadruplexes by vibrational circular dichroism

The four-stranded G-quadruplex motif is a conformation frequently adopted by guanine-rich nucleic acids that plays an important role in biology, medicine, and nanotechnology. Although vibrational spectroscopy has been widely used to investigate nucleic acid structure, association of particular spectral features with the quadruplex structure has to date been ambiguous. In this work, experimental IR absorption and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra of the model quadruplex systems d(G)(8) and deoxyguanosine-5'-monophosphate (5'-dGMP) were analyzed using molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum-chemical modeling. The experimental spectra were unambiguously assigned to the quadruplex DNA arrangement, and several IR and VCD bands related to this structural motif were determined. Involvement of MD in the modeling was essential for realistic simulation of the spectra. The VCD signal was found to be more sensitive to dynamical structural variations than the IR signal. The combination of the spectroscopic techniques with multiscale simulations provides extended information about nucleic acid conformations and their dynamics.

The application of DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes to therapeutic medicines

The intriguing structural diversity in folded topologies available to guanine-rich nucleic acid repeat sequences have made four-stranded G-quadruplex structures the focus of both basic and applied research, from cancer biology and novel therapeutics through to nanoelectronics. Distributed widely in the human genome as targets for regulating gene expression and chromosomal maintenance, they offer unique avenues for future cancer drug development. In particular, the recent advances in chemical and structural biology have enabled the construction of bespoke selective DNA based aptamers to be used as novel therapeutic agents and access to detailed structural models for structure based drug discovery. In this critical review, we will explore the important underlying characteristics of G-quadruplexes that make them functional, stable, and predictable nanoscaffolds. We will review the current structural database of folding topologies, molecular interfaces and novel interaction surfaces, with a consideration to their future exploitation in drug discovery, molecular biology, supermolecular assembly and aptamer design. In recent years the number of potential applications for G-quadruplex motifs has rapidly grown, so in this review we aim to explore the many future challenges and highlight where possible successes may lie. We will highlight the similarities and differences between DNA and RNA folded G-quadruplexes in terms of stability, distribution, and exploitability as small molecule targets. Finally, we will provide a detailed review of basic G-quadruplex geometry, experimental tools used, and a critical evaluation of the application of high-resolution structural biology and its ability to provide meaningful and valid models for future applications (255 references).

The crystal structure of a voltage-gated sodium channel

Voltage-gated sodium (Na(V)) channels initiate electrical signalling in excitable cells and are the molecular targets for drugs and disease mutations, but the structural basis for their voltage-dependent activation, ion selectivity and drug block is unknown. Here we report the crystal structure of a voltage-gated Na(+) channel from Arcobacter butzleri (NavAb) captured in a closed-pore conformation with four activated voltage sensors at 2.7 Å resolution. The arginine gating charges make multiple hydrophilic interactions within the voltage sensor, including unanticipated hydrogen bonds to the protein backbone. Comparisons to previous open-pore potassium channel structures indicate that the voltage-sensor domains and the S4-S5 linkers dilate the central pore by pivoting together around a hinge at the base of the pore module. The NavAb selectivity filter is short, ∼4.6 Å wide, and water filled, with four acidic side chains surrounding the narrowest part of the ion conduction pathway. This unique structure presents a high-field-strength anionic coordination site, which confers Na(+) selectivity through partial dehydration via direct interaction with glutamate side chains. Fenestrations in the sides of the pore module are unexpectedly penetrated by fatty acyl chains that extend into the central cavity, and these portals are large enough for the entry of small, hydrophobic pore-blocking drugs. This structure provides the template for understanding electrical signalling in excitable cells and the actions of drugs used for pain, epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmia at the atomic level.

Nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry studies of 2′,3′,5′-O-triacetylguanosine self-assembly in the presence of alkaline earth metal ions (Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+)

We report structural determination of cation-templated self-assembly of a guanosine derivative, 2′,3′,5′-O-triacetylguanosine (TAG), in the presence of three alkaline earth metal ions (Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+) in CDCl3. Using a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) methods, we have found that TAG molecules form discrete octamers in the form of [TAG]8M2+ (M2+ = Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+), which is composed of two G-quartets and a sandwiched metal ion. We have determined the ability of the three alkaline earth metal ions to promote TAG self-assembly (relative binding affinity) to be Sr2+ ≫ Ba2+ > Ca2+. More importantly, we have used two-dimensional (2D) NMR methods to determine the structural details of [TAG]8Sr2+. In particular, we found that each octamer consists of an all-anti G-quartet stacking on top of an all-syn G-quartet in a tail-to-head fashion with a twist angle of 45° between the two G-quartets. This TAG octamer structure represents a unique case quite different from other lipophilic guanosine octamers reported in the literature.

Thrombin-aptamer recognition: a revealed ambiguity

Aptamers are structured oligonucleotides that recognize molecular targets and can function as direct protein inhibitors. The best-known example is the thrombin-binding aptamer, TBA, a single-stranded 15-mer DNA that inhibits the activity of thrombin, the key enzyme of coagulation cascade. TBA folds as a G-quadruplex structure, as proved by its NMR structure. The X-ray structure of the complex between TBA and human α-thrombin was solved at 2.9-Å resolution, but did not provide details of the aptamer conformation and the interactions with the protein molecule. TBA is rapidly processed by nucleases. To improve the properties of TBA, a number of modified analogs have been produced. In particular, a modified TBA containing a 5′-5′ polarity inversion site, mTBA, has higher stability and higher affinity toward thrombin with respect to TBA, although it has a lower inhibitory activity. We present the crystal structure of the thrombin–mTBA complex at 2.15-Å resolution; the resulting model eventually provides a clear picture of thrombin–aptamers interaction, and also highlights the structural bases of the different properties of TBA and mTBA. Our findings open the way for a rational design of modified aptamers with improved potency as anticoagulant drugs.

Thymine quintets and their higher order assemblies studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and theoretical calculation

We previously reported that thymine molecules can specifically form a pentameric magic number cluster named as thymine quintet in the presence of K(+) , Rb(+) and Cs(+) . Actually, thymine decamer and doubly charged thymine 15-mer metaclusters can be observed along with thymine quintet in the ESI mass spectra of thymine with the addition of K(+) , Rb(+) and Cs(+) . The product ion spectra of these metaclusters, especially the 15-mer with hetero central ions, indicate that they are higher order assemblies of thymine quintets. The collision-induced dissociation experiments show that the gas-phase stabilities of these metaclusters depend on the size of the central ions, following the order Cs(+) > Rb(+) > K(+) , while K(+) leads to the highest dissociation energy of a thymine quintet. The optimized structures of thymine quintet and decamer were provided by density functional theory calculations, which showed that thymine quintet is bowl-shaped and its tilting angle increases with the size of the central ion. Furthermore, the chirality of thymine quintet was defined for the first time and the resulting different diastereoisomers of thymine decamers were also revealed by the calculation study. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A structural analysis of G-quadruplex/ligand interactions

This focused review article discusses in detail, all available high-resolution small molecule ligand/G-quadruplex structural data derived from crystallographic and NMR based techniques, in an attempt to understand key factors in ligand binding and to highlight the biological importance of these complexes. In contrast to duplex DNA, G-quadruplexes are four-stranded nucleic acid structures folded from guanine rich repeat sequences stabilized by the stacking of guanine G-quartets and extensive Watson-Crick/Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. Thermally stable, these topologies can play a role in telomere regulation and gene expression. The core structures of G-quadruplexes form stable scaffolds while the loops have been shown, by the addition of small molecule ligands, to be sufficiently adaptable to generate new and extended binding platforms for ligands to associate, either by extending G-quartet surfaces or by forming additional planar dinucleotide pairings. Many of these structurally characterised loop rearrangements were totally unexpected opening up new opportunities for the design of selective ligands. However these rearrangements do significantly complicate attempts to rationally design ligands against well defined but unbound topologies, as seen for the series of napthalene diimides complexes. Drawing together previous findings and with the introduction of two new crystallographic quadruplex/ligand structures we aim to expand the understanding of possible structural adaptations available to quadruplexes in the presence of ligands, thereby aiding in the design of new selective entities.

Circular dichroism study of supramolecular assemblies of guanosine 5'-monophosphate

Concentration and temperature dependent studies of the circular dichroism of dianionic guanosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP), where the cation was Na(+), K(+), or Rb(+) ion, were done to obtain information regarding the nature of the self-assembled 5'-GMP species in aqueous solution, including G-quartets and other structures. Concentrations in the 0.05-0.85 M range and temperatures in the 5-50 °C range were used. At the highest concentrations and 5 °C, Na(2)(5'-GMP) and K(2)(5'-GMP) formed a cholesteric phase, but Rb(2)(5'-GMP) did not. Evidence for antiparallel base stacking (stacked with opposite polarity; head to head) was observed for Rb(2)(5'-GMP) but not for the Na(+) or K(+) salts. This structure, believed to be G-quartets, had a melting temperature of 15 °C and dissociated into a second associated species as the temperature increased. The latter was present to the greatest extent at ∼40 °C, and it is characterized by a prominent negative CD band at 306 nm, which may be indicative of an X-DNA type of structure (an expanded G-quartet) or base-stacked monomers or dimers. The same negative band appeared at 310 nm in the CD spectra of K(2)(5'-GMP) and Na(2)(5'-GMP) but was much less intense in the latter case. K(2)(5'-GMP) also formed a noncholesteric phase containing at least two different species, one more stable at low temperatures and the other more stable at higher temperatures, similar to Rb(2)(5'-GMP). (1)H NMR spectroscopy was used to assist in the interpretation of the CD spectra.

RNA quadruplexes

Opposed to DNA quadruplex sequences, RNA quadruplexes are still less well characterized. On the other hand, RNA quadruplexes are found to be at least as stable as their DNA counterparts. They show the same dependence on metal ions but seem to be much more restricted with respect to the adopted conformations. Other than DNA, which is mostly found to be double-stranded inside cells, RNAs are produced during transcription without its complementary sequence. The absence of a second strand that is able to hybridize and form a duplex makes the folding of RNA quadruplexes a likely event of intramolecular structure formation. Consequently, the formation of RNA quadruplexes in cellular RNAs has recently been suggested and the study of their influence and potential roles in cellular processes has just started. Here we give an overview of the RNA quadruplex field, summarizing issues such as structures, stabilities, and anticipated roles of these interesting four-stranded, guanosine-rich sequences.

Tetramolecular DNA quadruplexes in solution: insights into structural diversity and cation movement

The present study expands the notion that the simple oligonucleotide sequence d(TG(4)T) in solution forms a tetramolecular G-quadruplex having a parallel orientation of the four strands and four G-quartets with all of the residues in the anti orientation. NMR experiments have revealed the equilibrium of two monomeric forms with a ratio between 85:15 and 70:30 in the presence of K(+), Na(+), and (15)NH(4)(+) ions. The major form consists of four G-quartets, whereas the minor form exhibits an additional T-quartet at the 5' end. An analogous oligonucleotide with U at the 5' end adopts a dimeric structure of G-quadruplex units in the presence of K(+) and (15)NH(4)(+) cations but not in the presence of Na(+) ions, where monomeric forms are present. Three (15)NH(4)(+) ion binding sites between the four G-quartets within the major monomeric form have been identified, while an additional (15)NH(4)(+) ion binding site between the G- and T-quartets at the 5' end of the minor form has been established. The dimeric d[(UG(4)T)(4)](2) G-quadruplex exhibits eight (15)NH(4)(+) ion binding sites, two of them between the U- and G-quartets. (15)NH(4)(+) ions have been shown to move faster between the interior of the tetramolecular structures and the bulk solution in comparison with the monomolecular and bimolecular G-quadruplexes. However, cation movement is slowed by the presence of a T-quartet at the 5' end.

Sole and stable RNA duplexes of G-rich sequences located in the 5'-untranslated region of protooncogenes

Guanine- (G-) rich nucleic acid sequences can form four-stranded structures called G-quadruplexes. It is widely held that the formation of a G-quadruplex in RNA is more feasible than in DNA because of the lack of a complementary strand in mRNA. Here, we analyzed sequences of 5'-untranslated regions of protooncogenes and surprisingly found that these regions showed an enrichment of not only guanine (G) but also cytosine (C) nucleotides. Since neighboring cytosine- (C-) rich regions can affect the formation and stability of a G-quadruplex structure, we further investigated the properties of DNA and RNA structures of G-rich and GC-rich regions. We selected typical GC-rich RNA sequences from protooncogenes and corresponding DNA sequences and investigated their structures. It was found that the GC-rich RNA sequences formed stable A-form duplexes as their major structure independent of the surrounding conditions, including the presence of different cations (Na(+), K(+), or Li(+)) or molecular crowding with 40 wt % poly(ethylene glycol) with an average molecular mass of 200 Da although there are a few exceptions in which only a combination of K(+) and molecular crowding induced a G-quadruplex structure of an extremely G-rich RNA sequence. In contrast, structural polymorphisms involving duplexes, G-quadruplexes, and i-motifs were observed for GC-rich DNA sequences depending on the surrounding factors. These results demonstrate the considerable structural and functional differences in GC-rich sequences of the genome (DNA) and transcriptosome (mRNA) with respect to the nucleic acid backbone. Moreover, it was suggested that structural study for a G-rich RNA sequence should be carried out under cell-mimicking condition where K(+) and crowding cosolutes exist.

Specific high-affinity binding of thiazole orange to triplex and G-quadruplex DNA

Interaction of Thiazole Orange (TO) with double-, triple-, and quadruple-stranded forms of DNA was studied. We have demonstrated by UV-vis absorption, circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence spectroscopy that TO binds with much higher affinity to triplex and G-quadruplex DNA structures compared to double-stranded (ds) DNA. Complexes of the dye with DNA triplexes and G-quadruplexes are very stable and do not dissociate during chromatography and gel electrophoresis. TO binding to either triple- or quadruple-stranded DNA structures results in a >1000-fold increase in dye fluorescence. The fluorescence titration data showed that TO to triad and tetrad ratios, in tight complexes with the triplex and the G-quadruplex, are equal to 0.5 and 1, respectively. Preferential binding of TO to triplexes and G-quadruplexes enables selective detection of only these DNA forms in gels in the absence of free TO in electrophoresis running buffer. We have also demonstrated that incubation of U2OS cells with submicromolar concentrations of TO results in preferential staining of certain areas in the nucleus in contrast to DAPI which binds to dsDNA and efficiently stains regions that are unstained with TO. We suggest that TO staining may be useful for the detection of noncanonical structural motifs in genomic DNA.

Evaluation of the radial deformability of poly(dG)-poly(dC) DNA and G4-DNA using vibrating scanning polarization force microscopy

Poly(dG)-poly(dC) DNA and G4-DNA are two types of synthetic molecules that are regarded as promising candidates for molecular nanodevices. In this work, vibrating scanning polarization force microscopy (VSPFM) was employed to study the radial deformability of these two molecules coadsorbed on a Ni(2+)-modified mica surface. The values of the radial compressive elastic modulus of these two types of molecules were found to be similar (approximately 5-10 MPa) when the external loading force was between approximately 0.04 and approximately 0.12 nN. However, G4-DNA molecules possessed higher stiffness than poly(dG)-poly(dC) DNA (approximately 20-40 vs approximately 10-20 MPa) when the loading force was larger than approximately 0.12 nN. The results will aid us in understanding these molecule's mechanical performances.

Influence of salt concentration on the assembly of DNA multilayer films

DNA multilayer films are promising candidates for a plethora of applications, including sensing, diagnostics, and drug/gene delivery. Fabricated solely from DNA, the use of salt in forming DNA multilayers is crucial in promoting and maintaining hybridization of complementary base pairs by minimizing the repulsive forces between the oligonucleotides and preventing disassembly of the layers once formed. Herein, we examine the role of salt on the assembly of DNA films assembled from oligonucleotides composed of two homopolymeric diblocks (polyA(n)G(n) and polyT(n)C(n)) in salt concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 2 M. Using quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM) and flow cytometry, we show that films assembled at high salt concentrations (2 M salt) exhibit a different morphology and are denser than those assembled from lower (1 M salt) salt solutions. Formation of the T x A*T triplex in solution and within the DNA film was also studied using circular dichroism (CD) and QCM, respectively. DNA films assembled using oligonucleotides of various lengths (20- to 60-mer) at high salt concentration (2 M salt) showed no significant influence on the film growth. This work shows that salt plays an important role in the assembly and final morphology of DNA multilayer films, hence enabling films with different properties to be tailored.

Molecular modeling and simulation of G-quadruplexes and quadruplex-ligand complexes

Methods for the molecular modeling and simulation of G-quadruplex structures and their drug/ligand complexes are discussed, and a range of protocols is presented for undertaking a variety of tasks including model-building, ligand docking, dynamics simulation, continuum solvent modeling, energetic calculations, principal component analysis, and quantum chemical computations. The scope and limitations of these approaches are discussed.

Effects of abasic sites on structural, thermodynamic and kinetic properties of quadruplex structures

Abasic sites represent the most frequent lesion in DNA. Since several events generating abasic sites concern guanines, this damage is particularly important in quadruplex forming G-rich sequences, many of which are believed to be involved in several biological roles. However, the effects of abasic sites in sequences forming quadruplexes have been poorly studied. Here, we investigated the effects of abasic site mimics on structural, thermodynamic and kinetic properties of parallel quadruplexes. Investigation concerned five oligodeoxynucleotides based on the sequence d(TGGGGGT), in which all guanines have been replaced, one at a time, by an abasic site mimic (dS). All sequences preserve their ability to form quadruplexes; however, both spectroscopic and kinetic experiments point to sequence-dependent different effects on the structural flexibility and stability. Sequences d(TSGGGGT) and d(TGGGGST) form quite stable quadruplexes; however, for the other sequences, the introduction of the dS in proximity of the 3′-end decreases the stability more considerably than the 5′-end. Noteworthy, sequence d(TGSGGGT) forms a quadruplex where dS does not hamper the stacking between the G-tetrads adjacent to it. These results strongly argue for the central role of apurinic/apyrimidinic site damages and they encourage the production of further studies to better delineate the consequences of their presence in the biological relevant regions of the genome.

Supramolecular structure and polymorphism of alkali metal salts of guanosine 5'-monophosphate: SEM and NMR study

Scanning electron microscopy images of the Na(+), K(+), and Rb(+) salts of guanosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP) in the presence of the corresponding metal chloride have shown the formation of exceptionally large molecular aggregates. These are much larger than those previously reported in solution. Each cation system produced a solid with a different morphology. The SEM samples were prepared from concentrated aqueous (D(2)O) solutions containing various amounts of 5'-GMP and metal chloride, and they approached the limit of solubility for the 5'-GMP under these conditions. Straight or slightly curved "free standing" rods composed of bundles of parallel stacks of G-quartets were formed from solutions of 0.85-1.0 M Na(2)(5'-GMP) containing 0.25-0.50 M NaCl. The rods had varying lengths of 6000-40 000 nm and an average diameter of 2000 nm. Calculations estimate this diameter to correspond to approximately 650 parallel stacks of G-quartets. Alignment of the individual G-quartet stacks into bundles and rods occurred as a result of phosphate charge neutralization by the high concentration of Na(+) ions. The SEM image of the K(+) system showed the presence of two types of morphologies, a rodlike lattice formation interpreted to be formed of stacked G-quartets, and irregular twisting fibers of varying diameter. In conjunction with the (1)H NMR data, the latter are proposed to be composed of continuous helices of doubly hydrogen-bonded guanines having the same H-bonding motif as the planar G-quartets. The Rb(+) system had some similarities to both the Na(+) system and the K(+) system. (1)H NMR spectra were different for each cation system, corresponding to the differences observed by SEM imaging of the solids. Polymorphism has been observed in telomeric sequences but has not been extensively explored in 5'-GMP.

Fluorescence of unmodified oligonucleotides: A tool to probe G-quadruplex DNA structure

Fluorescence of unmodified oligonucleotides has not been exploited for guanine-quadruplex (G-quadruplex) characterization. We observe that G-rich sequences fluoresce more strongly than duplex or single-stranded DNA but much more weakly than fluorophores like fluorescein. This increase in the intrinsic fluorescence is not due to an increase in absorption at the excitation wavelength but rather to a change in the quantum yield. We show that unlabeled oligonucleotides that form G-quadruplexes can be differentiated on the basis of their emission spectra from similar sequences that do not contain consecutive guanines. Intermolecular quadruplexes formed by the oligonucleotides 5'-T(4)G(n)T(4)-3' (n = 4-10) display a nonlinear, but continuous, increase in emission intensity as the G content increases. The sequence 5'-GGGT-3', which has been proposed to form a monomeric quadruplex and an interlocked quadruplex (Krishnan-Ghosh et al. J Am Chem Soc 2004, 126, 11009), was compared with the similar sequence 5'-TGGG-3', the structure of which has not been characterized. Both the maximum emission intensity and the spectral shape differ for these oligonucleotides as a function of sample preparation, indicating that different types of quadruplexes form for both sequences. Our work is the first to demonstrate that the suprastructure of G-rich sequences can be probed using fluorescence signatures of unmodified oligonucleotides.

Base dependent DNA-carbon nanotube interactions: activation enthalpies and assembly-disassembly control

We quantify the base dependent interactions between single stranded DNA and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in solution. DNA/SWNT hybrids hold the promise of applications ranging from nanoscale electronics and assembly of nanotube based materials, to drug delivery and DNA sequencing. These applications require control over the hybrid assembly and disassembly. Our analytical assay reveals the order of nucleobase binding strengths with SWNTs as G>C>A>T. Furthermore, time dependent fixed temperature experiments that probe the kinetics of the dissociation process provide values for the equilibrium constants and dissociation enthalpies that underlie the microscopic interactions. Quantifying the base dependency of hybrid stability shows how insight into the energetics of the component interactions facilitates control over hybrid assembly and disassembly.

Role for G-quadruplex RNA binding by Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 in DNA replication and metaphase chromosome attachment

Latent infection by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) requires both replication and maintenance of the viral genome. EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) is a virus-encoded protein that is critical for the replication and maintenance of the genome during latency in proliferating cells. We have previously demonstrated that EBNA1 recruits the cellular origin recognition complex (ORC) through an RNA-dependent interaction with EBNA1 linking region 1 (LR1) and LR2. We now show that LR1 and LR2 bind to G-rich RNA that is predicted to form G-quadruplex structures. Several chemically distinct G-quadruplex-interacting drugs disrupted the interaction between EBNA1 and ORC. The G-quadruplex-interacting compound BRACO-19 inhibited EBNA1-dependent stimulation of viral DNA replication and preferentially blocked proliferation of EBV-positive cells relative to EBV-negative cell lines. BRACO-19 treatment also disrupted the ability of EBNA1 to tether to metaphase chromosomes, suggesting that maintenance function is also mediated through G-quadruplex recognition. These findings suggest that the EBNA1 replication and maintenance function uses a common G-quadruplex binding capacity of LR1 and LR2, which may be targetable by small-molecule inhibitors.

Structural analysis of ion selectivity in the NaK channel

Here, we present a detailed characterization of ion binding in the NaK pore using the high resolution structures of NaK in complex with various cations. These structures reveal four ion binding sites with similar chemical environments but vastly different ion preference. The most non selective of all is site 3, which is formed exclusively by backbone carbonyl oxygen atoms and resides deep within the selectivity filter. Additionally, four water molecules in combination with four backbone carbonyl oxygen atoms are seen to participate in K⁺ and Rb⁺ ion chelation both at the external entrance and vestibule of the NaK filter, confirming the preference for an octahedral ligand configuration for K⁺ and Rb⁺ binding. In contrast, Na⁺ binding in the NaK filter, particularly at site 4, utilizes a pyramidal ligand configuration requiring the participation of a water molecule in the cavity. Therefore, the ability of the NaK filter to bind both Na⁺ and K⁺ ions seemingly arises from the ions' ability to utilize the existing environment in unique ways rather than any structural rearrangements of the filter itself.

G-quadruplex structure: a target for anticancer therapy and a probe for detection of potassium

G-Quadruplexes are four-stranded DNA structures that play important regulatory roles in the maintenance of telomere length by inhibiting telomerase activity. Telomeres are specialized functional DNA-protein structures consisting of a variable number of tandem G-rich repeats together with a group of specific proteins. Telomere losses during cell replication are compensated by telomerase, which adds telomeric repeats onto the chromosome ends in the presence of its substrate--the 3'-overhang. Recently, quadruplexes have been considered as a potential therapeutic target for human cancer because they can inhibit telomerase activity, and some quadruplex-interacting drugs can induce senescence and apoptosis of cancer cells. In addition, due to the potassium preference to the other cations, especially sodium ions, quadruplexes have been suggested for developing potassium detection probes with higher sensitivity and selectivity. This review will illustrate these two aspects to provide further understanding of G-quadruplex structures.

Stacking and not solely topology of T3 loops controls rigidity and ammonium ion movement within d(G4T3G4)2 G-quadruplex

A solution state NMR study has shown that d(G4T3G4) in the presence of (15)NH4(+) ions folds into a single bimolecular G-quadruplex structure in which its G-tracts are antiparallel and the two T3 loops span along the edges of the outer G-quartets on the opposite sides of the G-quadruplex core. This head-to-tail topology is in agreement with the topology of the G-quadruplex recently found in the X-ray crystal structure formed by d(G4T3G4) in the presence of K(+) ions [Neidle et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 5480]. In contrast, the presence of K(+) ions in solution resulted in a complex ensemble of G-quadruplex structures. Molecular models based on NMR data demonstrate that thymine loop residues efficiently base-base stack on the outer G-quartets and in this way stabilize a single structure in the presence of (15)NH4(+) ions. The use of heteronuclear NMR enabled us to localize three (15)NH4(+) ion binding sites between pairs of adjacent G-quartets and study the kinetics of their movement. Interestingly, no (15)NH4(+) ion movement within the G-quadruplex was detected at 25 degrees C. At 35 degrees C we were able to observe slow movement of (15)NH4(+) ions from the outer binding sites to bulk solution with the characteristic residence lifetime of 1.2 s. The slow movement of (15)NH4(+) ions from the outer binding sites into bulk solution and the absence of movement from the inner binding site were attributed to steric hindrance imposed by the T3 loops and the rigidity of the G-quadruplex.

Stability and kinetics of G-quadruplex structures

In this review, we give an overview of recent literature on the structure and stability of unimolecular G-rich quadruplex structures that are relevant to drug design and for in vivo function. The unifying theme in this review is energetics. The thermodynamic stability of quadruplexes has not been studied in the same detail as DNA and RNA duplexes, and there are important differences in the balance of forces between these classes of folded oligonucleotides. We provide an overview of the principles of stability and where available the experimental data that report on these principles. Significant gaps in the literature have been identified, that should be filled by a systematic study of well-defined quadruplexes not only to provide the basic understanding of stability both for design purposes, but also as it relates to in vivo occurrence of quadruplexes. Techniques that are commonly applied to the determination of the structure, stability and folding are discussed in terms of information content and limitations. Quadruplex structures fold and unfold comparatively slowly, and DNA unwinding events associated with transcription and replication may be operating far from equilibrium. The kinetics of formation and resolution of quadruplexes, and methodologies are discussed in the context of stability and their possible biological occurrence.

Substitution of adenine for guanine in the quadruplex-forming human telomere DNA sequence G(3)(T(2)AG(3))(3)

We have studied the formation and structural properties of quadruplexes of the human telomeric DNA sequence G(3)(T(2)AG(3))(3) and related sequences in which each guanine base was replaced by an adenine base. None of these single base substitutions hindered the formation of antiparallel quadruplexes, as shown by circular dichroism, gel electrophoresis, and UV thermal stability measurements in NaCl solutions. Effect of substitution did differ, however, depending on the position of the substituted base. The A-for-G substitution in the middle quartet of the antiparallel basket scaffold led to the most distorted and least stable structures and these sequences preferred to form bimolecular quadruplexes. Unlike G(3)(T(2)AG(3))(3), no structural transitions were observed for the A-containing analogs of G(3)(T(2)AG(3))(3) when sodium ions were replaced by potassium ions. The basic quadruplex topology remained the same for all sequences studied in both salts. As in vivo misincorporation of A for a G in the telomeric sequence is possible and potassium is a physiological salt, these findings may have biological relevance.

Assembling of G-strands into novel tetra-molecular parallel G4-DNA nanostructures using avidin-biotin recognition

We describe a method for the preparation of novel long (hundreds of nanometers), uniform, inter-molecular G4-DNA molecules composed of four parallel G-strands. The only long continuous G4-DNA reported so far are intra-molecular structures made of a single G-strand. To enable a tetra-molecular assembly of the G-strands we developed a novel approach based on avidin–biotin biological recognition. The steps of the G4-DNA production include: (i) Enzymatic synthesis of long poly(dG)-poly(dC) molecules with biotinylated poly(dG)-strand; (ii) Formation of a complex between avidin-tetramer and four biotinylated poly(dG)-poly(dC) molecules; (iii) Separation of the poly(dC) strands from the poly(dG)-strands, which are connected to the avidin; (iv) Assembly of the four G-strands attached to the avidin into tetra-molecular G4-DNA. The average contour length of the formed structures, as measured by AFM, is equal to that of the initial poly(dG)-poly(dC) molecules, suggesting a tetra-molecular mechanism of the G-strands assembly. The height of tetra-molecular G4-nanostructures is larger than that of mono-molecular G4-DNA molecules having similar contour length. The CD spectra of the tetra- and mono-molecular G4-DNA are markedly different, suggesting different structural organization of these two types of molecules. The tetra-molecular G4-DNA nanostructures showed clear electrical polarizability. This suggests that they may be useful for molecular electronics.

G-quadruplexes: targets in anticancer drug design

G-quadruplexes are special secondary structures adopted in some guanine-rich DNA sequences. As guanine-rich sequences are present in important regions of the eukaryotic genome, such as telomeres and the regulatory regions of many genes, such structures may play important roles in the regulation of biological events in the body. G-quadruplexes have become valid targets for new anticancer drugs in the past few decades. Many leading compounds that target these structures have been reported, and a few of them have entered preclinical or clinical trials. Nonetheless, the selectivity of this kind of antitumor compound has yet to be improved in order to suppress the side effects caused by nonselective binding. As drug design targets, the topology and structural characteristics of quadruplexes, their possible biological roles, and the modes and sites of small-ligand binding to these structures should be understood clearly. Herein we provide a summary of published research that has set out to address the above problem to provide useful information on the design of small ligands that target G-quadruplexes. This review also covers research methodologies that have been developed to study the binding of ligands to G-quadruplexes.

G-quadruplex formation by human telomeric repeats-containing RNA in Na+ solution

For a long time, telomeres have been considered to be transcriptionally silent. Very recently, a breaking finding from two groups demonstrated that telomere DNA is transcribed into telomeric repeat-containing RNA in mammalian cells (Azzalin, C. M.; Reichenbach, P.; Khoriauli, L.; Giulotto, E.; Lingner, J. Science 2007, 318, 798-801. Schoefter, S.; Blasco, M. A. Nat. Cell Biol. 2008, 10, 228-236). The telomeric RNA, a newly appeared player in telomere biology, may be a key component of telomere machinery. In the current study, we used a combination of NMR, circular dichroism (CD), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS), and gel electrophoresis to investigate the structural features of a human telomere RNA sequence. We demonstrated that human telomere RNA can form a parallel G-quadruplex structure in the presence of Na(+). Importantly, we found for the first time that the G-quadruplex forming telomere RNA protects itself from enzymatic digestion. These results provide valuable information to allow understanding of the structure and function of human telomeric RNA.

Heat capacity changes associated with guanine quadruplex formation: an isothermal titration calorimetry study

This study addresses the temperature dependence of the enthalpy of formation for several unimolecular quadruplexes in the presence of excess monovalent salt. We examined a series of biologically significant guanine-rich DNA sequences: thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) (d(G(2)T(2)G(2)TGTG(2)T(2)G(2)), PS2.M, a catalytically active aptamer (d(GTG(3)TAG(3)CG(3)T(2)G(2))), and the human telomere repeat (HT) (d(AG(3)(T(2)AG(3))(3))). Using CD spectra and UV melting, we confirmed the presence of quadruplex structures and established the temperature range in which quadruplex conformation is stable. We then performed ITC experiments, adding DNA to a solution containing excess NaCl or KCl. In this approach, only several additions are made, and only the enthalpy of quadruplex formation is measured. This measurement was repeated at different temperatures to determine the temperature dependence of the enthalpy change accompanying quadruplex formation. To control for the effect of nonspecific salt interactions during DNA folding, we repeated the experiment by replacing the quadruplex-forming sequences with a similar but nonfolding sequence. Dilution enthalpies were also subtracted to obtain the final enthalpy value involving only the quadruplex folding process. For all sequences studied, quadruplex formation was exothermic but with an increasing magnitude with increasing temperature. These results are discussed in terms of the change in heat capacity associated with quadruplex formation.